After windows update cannot login to 365 programs and all show as Unlicensed.

Question

I *think* this started happening after a recent Windows update but cannot be positive. I know I have made no changes to the computer settings or added/removed anything since the problem started which has been a week ago or less.

When opening a 365 program on my desktop, Excel for example, it pops up a window saying Sign in to set up Office. I have been using this stuff fine for years so this is a brand new window to see. When I click on Sign in, the next window says Activate Office and I enter my email and the window turns dark gray for a few seconds and then goes away. I'm left looking at the spreadsheet I had opened and at the top are a yellow bar saying SIGN IN REQUIRED and below that a red bar saying features disabled because I need to activate. There are buttons to SIGN IN and ACTIVATE. Both of which just start the sign in process over again and do nothing.

Things I know:

I am using the correct email.
My subscription is current (billed $99 in July and expires July 2023)
I am able to login fine on the website.
On the website, it shows an INSTALL OFFICE button and says not actively using on any devices (but it is installed)

Things I have tried:

I ran SARA and it threw up an error at the very end and then went away.
I ran both QUICK and ONLINE repair tools. Neither worked.
I have uninstalled and re-installed.
I have run AV/malware scans. Nothing found.
I have disabled the Windows firewall. Didn't help.
I have rebooted multiple times after performing any attempted fixes.
I have read and attempted everything I've seen online and nothing has worked.
I have called support only to be transferred and transferred again and disconnected.

PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

I’m glad to hear that!

Answer 2

Good to hear the case has been solved, to save your time for coming similar case (if any), you can check any Windows updates applied and tried to rollout the update to identify the case

Answer 3

I was able to resolve this via a multi-hour chat with MS Support. The steps were many and varied and I cant really remember what all was done but there was some registry edits, command line stuff and a couple uninstalls and reboots to get it working.

Answer 4

Hi JustinVandermark,

I’m Bambi and I’ll be happy to assist you today.

You have really done a lot in trying to resolve this issue which is great but I’m sure a tad bit frustrating and I’m sorry about that.

I may have missed it but you didn’t mention the version of Windows you are using?

I will like to give specific steps but since I do not know the version, I’ll suggest you perform an in-place upgrade.

If you need the steps, please reply with the version of Windows you are on.

Before you do this, please uninstall Microsoft 365. After it has been completed, install directly from your Microsoft account, sign in and see if that fixes the issue.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you need additional clarification or assistance and I’ll be happy to provide.

Best Regards, Bambi